Winter On CNN.com

It was the beginning of another beautiful Florida winter’s day in Mosquito Lagoon near Cape Canaveral two years ago, as the sun was just coming up over the horizon. With the gentle warm breeze as it swept across the lagoon, a few friends out fishing that morning found something that was a bit unusual.

That is the opening of an article I wrote about Winter, the little dolphin that is at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. CNN.com has published the article on their "iReport" website that has the entire article, including several photographs of her that I took of her at the aquarium.

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Read Article I Wrote About Winter On CNN.com
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It's pretty cool to see your work on a popular news website such as CNN.com that is seen by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world.

UPDATE: CNN now has published a story and photos of Mackenzie, a Loggerhead Sea Turtle release that I wrote and photographed on Clearwater Beach last summer.

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Read Article I Wrote About Mackenzie On CNN.com
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There is also some other news I received today and as soon as it is confirmed, I will be releasing it, hopefully next week!

Florida’s Wildlife Viewing Growing

Florida’s rich and varied landscape and wildlife offer a wide array of opportunities for residents and tourists. While many Floridians enjoy wildlife viewing in their back yards or close to home, almost a quarter of a million tourists with wildlife watching plans travel to Florida each year, making Florida the No. 1 destination in the country for wildlife viewing.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) released a report today showing the valuable economic contribution to the state from resident and visitor wildlife viewing activities. The report, “The 2006 Economic Benefits of Wildlife Viewing Recreation in Florida,” prepared by Southwick Associates, Inc., uses data from the “2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation” from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Census Bureau.

In 2006, 3.3 million Floridians viewed wildlife at or near their homes, and 1.6 million Floridians and tourists traveled around Florida for the sole purpose of wildlife viewing. These viewers generated more than $3 billion in total economic impact throughout Florida. Retail sales account for approximately $1.8 billion of this total. While other areas of the economy may be experiencing a downswing, the FWC’s report finds retail sales for wildlife viewing activities have almost doubled from $1.575 billion in 2001. Overall, 4.2 million people participated in some form of wildlife viewing in Florida in 2006.

The FWC provides further opportunities for wildlife viewing through projects such as the Great Florida Birding Trail, a 2,000-mile, self-guided highway tour, unifying 445 birding sites throughout Florida. Free guidebooks containing directions and maps make wildlife viewing a simple task for residents and visitors alike.

“The total economic impact of wildlife viewing in Florida is strong and growing, almost doubling in the past five years,” said Ken Haddad, executive director of the FWC. “We hope this report underscores that conserving habitat for fish and wildlife can be a valuable means of sustainable economic development.”

The annual economic impact of recreational hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing in Florida tops $11 billion, according to the FWC.

Visit Tampa Bay

Even though the Fiesta Day celebration was a washout, I decided to stop into the Visit Tampa Bay office on Channelside Saturday to pick up the 2008 Travel Planner that is put out by Tampa Bay & Company, the areas tourism and convention bureau. Tampa Bay & Company is the largest and most well known visitors bureau for visitors to the Tampa Bay area.

I flipped through the latest brochure, and was pleasantly surprised to see several of my images in this years edition, including a great shot to intro the "Stay & Play" section of the brochure of a family having fun on a waverunner at Honeymoon Island.

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View A Sample Of The 2008 Tampa Bay Travel Planner
(JPG - 124KB)
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There are also a few others in the brochure that I shot, and I also found out that my night shot of the Tampa skyline is on the cover of the 2008 Business Travel Planner that I am trying to get a copy of, and will post that up when I receive it. All in all, it is great to see your work in publications that will be seen by thousands all over the world.

Baby Owlet

It has been a while since we made our way back onto the trails of Honeymoon Island to see the pair of Great Horned Owls. So later in the day, we headed out to see them, and to hopefully catch a glimpse of the baby Great Horned Owlet that was born a few weeks ago.

While we saw reports that this year there were two owlets, we learned while we were there that only one has survived. No one knows what the fate was of the other, but we know that the parents can provide for two, for a few years ago they successfully raised two, but ever since then, they have only raised one for whatever reason.

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Click Here To Watch A Baby Owlet Video
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As usual, just as the sun went down, they got real active, and the parents starting hooting back and forth, and the female owl brought back a kill to feed her baby, which was amazing to witness. The little one is getting real curious about his new world, and should be out of the nest in a few more weeks.

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)

Fiesta Day

A few days ago, I was contact by Tampa Bay & Company, the areas tourism and convention bureau to photograph Fiesta Day in Ybor City. I have never been to that event, so naturally I jumped on the opportunity and was really looking forward to going to the event.

Fiesta Day is a tribute to the Cuban, German, Italian and Spanish immigrants that came to Ybor City in the late 1800's. These immigrants settled in Ybor as the Cuban cigar factories thrived. 'Ybor City Day,' as it was originally known, began as a day of rest for the cigar workers of the district. Fiesta Day attracts a diverse population of over 15,000.

Everything was going great, and the crowds really started to fill in, but mother nature cut the event short. It started to pour down rain on the festivities. Kind of a shame, for I was having a great time myself with the people, music and food. Hopefully next year I can go back and get some great shots of the events that were canceled.

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)

Awesome Animal Videos

I have been slowly photographing the new look for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but Dawn recently started to shoot short videos of the resident Dolphins and River Otters as well.

She really has a great knack for getting good footage of them, and she put them up on YouTube to share.

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Click Here To Watch A Otter Presentation
Click Here To Watch A Dolphin Encounter
Click Here To Watch Some Cute Dolphins
Click Here To Watch A Dolphin Show
Click Here To Watch Some Cute Otters
Click Here To Watch Indy & Nicholas
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The next set of videos will be of all of the resident Sea Turtles, which I know you will really enjoy, so check back soon!

Old Florida

A few days ago, I was contacted by Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo about obtaining some photos of "Old Florida". The images will be used to inform zoo members about their new exhibits along the Florida boardwalk and the Flume Ride that will be opening this spring.

We searched my galleries of photos I have taken around the Tampa Bay area, and they selected four images that will be used in their March issue of "Zoo Chatter" that will be mailed out to thousands of members.

It's kinda hard to find scenes around our area that still has a feel of Old Florida, but they selected some of my favorites that I shot at Honeymoon Island, Hillsborough River and at Lake Tarpon. It will be awesome to see the finished results, for that part of the zoo is by far my favorite, for it has all of the native species of animals that can be found right here.

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)

Lunar Eclipse

Tonight was the last time until 2010 for a lunar eclipse here in North America, so I threw a pair of shorts on and headed to the woods to get away from the city lights to capture the eclipse.

We had some cloud cover that was moving through the skies, but right when the moon was at its totality, I waited for the clouds to move past it, and fired off a shot that I was really pleased with.

Grand Reopening

Today was the big day as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium opened up the doors to show off the new exhibits and the renovations that took the better part of the last six weeks. It took a lot of time, effort, and volunteers and staff to help put it all together, and this morning was the big pay off. There was huge media event and presentation, and it was very well received.

The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of "Winter’s Dream", a monument that was designed by world-renowned sculptor Donjo who donated his time and effort to create a one-of-a-kind tribute to an amazing little Dolphin. This monument is incredible, and is now a permanent fixture in the new lobby of the aquarium.

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Click Here To See "Winter's Dream" By Donjo
Click Here To Purchase A Replica Of "Winter's Dream" By Donjo
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There is still a few things that are still being fixed up, but the overall consensus from the huge crowd that came to welcome back the aquarium was it was a huge success. I feel proud that we were a part of this historic event and that hopefully the thousands of visitors that come to see the animals will really enjoy the new and exciting aquarium.

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)

Killer Car, Bad Acting

I have been waiting to see the new episodes of "Knight Rider", for it features a Ford Mustang that looks identical to my ride, minus all the cool modifications of course. Just as the 80's version of the show, the car is killer, but the acting is, well, bad.

If nothing else, it is cool to see a car I love featured in a major television show, for I have owned numerous black Mustang GT's in the past twenty years, and each one has been a blast to own and drive. Maybe they need to bring back the 'Hoff?

Welcome Home

It's been a long time coming, but today was the day that the girls of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium came home. Winter and Panama made the two hour journey north to return their home, and we were there to document the event. It was really interesting to watch the action unfold, for we have never seen a dolphin transport before.

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Watch A Video Of Winter & Panama On YouTube
Watch A Video Of Indy & Nicholas On YouTube
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The aquarium is about done with the renovations, and is scheduled to reopen this Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, but today, the resident dolphins were re-introduced to their brand new home. Also, the boys, Nicholas and Indy were taken from the stranding tank, and also put into their new home, and with all of four, it was quite a long day to say the least.

We will be back at the aquarium Sunday, as we will be helping moving all of the resident Sea Turtles next, and get them into their new homes. It's getting real exciting at the aquarium with all the new things going on, and we are in the home stretch now!

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)

Mash Up

I love music. Who doesn't? One of the questions many people will ask is "What kind of music do you listen to?". During many periods in my life, I may of replied Rock, Metal, Alternative, Rap, and for a short period of time, Disco.

I have a tendency to move from one genre to another, depending on my mood, or what mood I want to be in. So more often then not I can be listening to anything at any given time.

One of my new all time favorites for many years now has been a new style of music, sometimes labeled as "Mash Up". This style of music is where a DJ using turntables will mix and mash up two completely styles of music, and create a whole new type of music. I found a cool video on YouTube that might demonstrate the style, and there is a lot of others as well.

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Click Here To View Golden Earrings "Radar Love" Mash Up
Click Here To Get Some Great Mash Ups
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These days with the iPod, I can download all kinds of great mixes to my player, and jam them while crusing around the streets of Tampa. Sure beats my old 8-track deck I had in my first ride.

Winter Has A Special Purpose

It's been almost two months since I have seen Winter, the little Bottlenose Dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Since the renovations have taken place, she was moved to a temporary facility while everything gets a fresh coat of paint. However, during that time, I put the finishing touches on an article I wrote about this special little dolphin, and it is now available to read.

This little dolphin lost her tail at a very young age, but has beaten the odds of survival, and now has become a inspiration to others who may of lost a limb, due to war or accidents. Winter is now being fitted for an artificial tail, and she is one of only two other dolphins in the world to ever have the procedure done.

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Read Article "Winter Has A Special Purpose"
(PDF - 321KB)
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The article and photographs was the work over a two month period, and I worked closely with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to produce the story. I hope you enjoy it!

National Geographic Kids

Last month in National Geographic Kids Magazine, they ran an article about Winter, the little Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin that is at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. While the article is written for kids, it does tell her story about losing her tail, and how she is now inspiring humans around the world.

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View Article Of Winter In National Geographic Kids
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The best part of the article is they used a photo I shot of Winter. What a great story it is, but for me, to have one of my photos of Winter published in National Geographic is even more exciting!

Low Tide Sunset

I can never see enough sunsets, for growing up in the midwest, I can probably count on one hand how many I actually seen. However, here in Tampa, I have seen hundreds, and never get tired of them, for they are simply so beautiful and are a great subject to photograph, for no two are the same.

On Saturday I had a personal photography workshop, and it was probably the best one I have had to date, for I met up with John from St. Petersburg, and we had a blast. For the conclusion of the workshop, we ended up at Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs, and even though we got there at low tide and didn't quite get what he had hoped for, the sunset was still as amazing as ever.

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)

I Think I Can Fly

It's been a few weeks since I have went up to Anclote River to check on the newborn Bald Eagles, so I packed up my gear and made my way early Saturday morning. When I arrived, I saw one of the babies sitting on the edge of their nest, and wow, are they ever growing up fast.

Both babies are still in the nest, and I had a front row seat to watch as one took time to "practice" flying. It is really cool to watch as they try to hover above the nest when a breeze blows by, getting ready for that big day when they will finally take flight. It should be only a week or so before they will soar into the skies now.

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)

Cuteness Alert

There is a cuteness alert in Clearwater, Florida. It was a couple of weeks ago that a golfer was playing some golf at a local course, when on one of the greens he found a baby River Otter near one of the holes. He scooped it up and brought it to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to be looked at by the staff. It was apparent that this little one was only a few weeks old, and most likely abandoned by it's mother.

Well, needless to say the aquarium has a new addition to it's family, for she cannot be released back into the wild, for it now has been imprinted, so it has become a permanent resident. I caught a glimpse last week of her, and what a cutie to say the least. I was asked to come in to take some photos of her, and what a joyful assignment that was to see this little one up close, and to get to photograph her.

The aquarium will be holding a fund raiser, where everyone who enters will have a chance to give this cute little River Otter her name in the coming weeks, which will be great for the winner. Details are still being worked out, so if you are interested, be sure to contact the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for details. In the meantime, it will be fun to document this little one, for you can never have enough cute River Otter photos!

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)

Special Invitation

A few weeks ago, the Lowry Park Zoo invited me to photograph a special event that was be scheduled at the end of the month. The event was the pre-release physicals of some of the Florida Manatees, and since I have never seen one take place, I jumped at the opportunity.

The Florida Wildlife Commission, as well as the Lowry Park Manatee Rehab staff, were on-hand to perform the physicals of two of the Florida Manatees that are scheduled to be released in the coming months. It was interesting to watch the procedures, and have access to get close to these beautiful creatures. Hopefully in the spring when the Gulf waters warm up, I will be able to photograph the release of some of these Manatees.

After about an hour watching the physicals, we decided to spend the rest of the day at the zoo to see all of the other animals, and had a great time as we always do. The highlight however, at least for me, was spending time with Lucy, the seven-month old Florida Panther. I am really fascinated by her, and it was fun to watch her as she showed off by playing, stalking and rolling around. What a treat to see such a rare animal to say the least.

(Click on the thumbnails for a larger photo)